Hypertension: What Happens if It Is Not Treated?

June 5, 2024

2 minutes

Measuring hypertension

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The top number, or systole, measures the force when the heart beats, and the bottom number, or diastole, measures the force between beats. A healthy blood pressure should not exceed 120/80.

What can happen if hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not treated? Although hypertension is not painful, it is known as the silent killer due to the severe health issues it can cause if left uncontrolled. The three most at-risk organs are the brain, heart, and kidneys.

Risks to the Brain

Hypertension can lead to cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) or strokes, which can be fatal. It can also cause aneurysms weak outpouchings of the arteries in the brain that can rupture and cause bleeding.

Risks to the Heart

Hypertension forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure. When the left ventricle struggles to pump blood, blood can back up into the lungs, leading to congestive heart failure. This condition makes breathing difficult and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Risks to the Kidneys

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease and, eventually, end-stage kidney failure.

Medications for Treating High Blood Pressure

There are several types of medications available to manage hypertension:

Diuretics

Diuretics help the kidneys eliminate water, reducing blood volume:

  • Loop diuretics: Lasix (furosemide), Edecrin (ethacrynic acid), Bumex (bumetanide)
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics: Midamor (amiloride), Inspra (eplerenone), Dyrenium (triamterene), Aldactone (spironolactone)
  • Thiazide diuretics: Diuril (thiazide), Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide), Hygroton (chlorthalidone), Natrilix (indapamide), Zaroxolyn (metolazone)

Beta Blockers

Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and force by blocking adrenaline:

  • Tenormin (atenolol), Cardicor (bisoprolol), Lopressor (metoprolol), Inderal (propranolol)

ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors dilate blood vessels by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzymes:

  • Lotensin (benazepril), Capoten (captopril), Vasotec (enalapril), Monopril (fosinopril), Zestril (lisinopril), Univasc (moexipril), Coversyl (perindopril), Accupril (quinapril)

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

These drugs dilate blood vessels:

  • Edarbi (azilsartan), Atacand (candesartan), Teveten (eprosartan), Avapro (Irbesartan), Cozaar (losartan), Benicar (olmesartan), Micardis (telmisartan), Diovan (Valsartan)

Calcium Channel Blockers

These prevent calcium from entering heart and artery cells, causing relaxation:

  • Norvasc (amlodipine), Cardizem (diltiazem), Plendil (felodipine), Dynacirc (isradipine), Cardene (nicardipine), Procardia (nifedipine), Sular (nisoldipine), Calan (Verapamil)

Central Agonists

These drugs act on the brain to reduce signals to the heart and blood vessels:

  • Tenex (guanfacine), Aldomet (methyldopa), Catapres (clonidine), Wytensin (guanabenz)

Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors

These block brain signals that cause blood vessel constriction:

  • Hylorel (guanadrel), Ismelin (guanethidine monosulfate), Serpasil (reserpine)

Get Treatment for Hypertension at QuickMD

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Disclaimer Articles on this website are meant for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not delay care because of the content on this site. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call your doctor immediately or call 911 (if within the United States). This blog and its content are the intellectual property of QuickMD LLC and may not be copied or used without permission.

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